Electropneumatic organ-action.



ELECTBOPNEUMATIC URGAN ACTION.

(Application Jan. 15, 1900.)

(No Model.)

2 sham-sheet W. B. FLEMING.

ELECTBDPNEUIMTIC OBGAN ACTION. v

(Anvlicstinn alud 7.11.16, 1900.)

No. 666,658. Patonted h n. 29, l90l.

(in nml.)

2 Shaets-Sheat 2.

' d Attorney UNITED STATES PATENT FEJSICE.

VILLIAM B. FLEMING, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

ELECTROPN EU MATIC ORGAN-ACTION.

SPECIFICATION forming part of' Letters Patent No. 666,658, dated January 29, 1901. Application tiled January l5, 1900. Serial No. 1,467. (No model.)

To all 107mm/ it may concern.-

Be it known that LWILLIAM B. FLEMING, a citizen of the United States, residing at Detroit, county of` Wayne, State of Michigan, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Electrical Actions for Pipe-Organs; and I declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description'of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specitication.

My invention has for its object certain new and useful improvements in an electrical action for pipe-organs; and it consists of the combination, arrangement, and structure of devices hereinafter described and claimed, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure I is a diagrammatic view in vertical section and in side elevation embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section through the key and contact bar. Fig. 3 is a detail View in perspective of the contact-plate attached to the key. Fig. 4 is a detail view, in inverted perspective, of the contact-linger attached to the contact-bar. Fig. 5 is a view in vertical section through the top board of the wind-chest, showing the electromagnet engaged thereupon and the adjacent pneumatic. Fig. 6 is a detail View of the base of the magnet. Fig. 7 is a detail view of the bed upon which the magnet rests. Fig. S is a viewv in Vertical section through the base of the wind-chest A, the chest l2, and adjacent parts.

Certain features shown in the accompanying drawings are embodied in United States Leiters Patent issued to me February 20, 1900, No. 643,840.

I carry out my invention as follows:

A freslrwind box or chest is indicated at A, the top board being indicated at B2. The box A, it will be understood, is continuously supplied with air in any suitable manner when the organ is in use. An additional wind-chest is indicated at B, communicating with the chest A, as through a channeled board B. Communication of the channeled board with the wind-chest A is controlled by valves, (indicated at a and c.) The WindchestA is formed with a bottom board C, constructed with a channel C, into which the channeled board B communicates, the said valves seating in said bottom board, as set forth in the application above referred to. The wind-chest B may be of any desired construction, the same being preferably provided with a pneumatic, (indicated at E.)

F is a chest-bar forming one side of the wind-chest B, said chest-bar being constructed with an exhaust-channel F', opening into the channeled board B and into the interiorof the pneumatic E. This chest-bar is also shown constructed with a channel F2, commnnicating with the wind-chest B and with an adja cent pipe I), the communication of the channel F2 with the wind-chest B being governed by the pallet or valve E', forming a part of the pneumatic E. The valve a controls the communication of the channel C' into the interior of the wind-chest A,while the valve a controls the communication of the channel C with the atmosphere. The valves aand a' are connected with a valverod G, actuated by a pneu matic dwith which said rod is connected.

The top board of the wind-chest A is constructed witha channel CL2, communicating into a pneumatic J.

II is an electromagnet, preferably inclosed in a chamber l-I, the channel d2 exhausting through .a channel CL4.y A single chamber H' may inclose several magnets. The top board of the wind-chest A is also provided with an additional channel a5, communicatingwith the pneumatic CL3, said channel at its opposite end communicating with the Wind-chest A and exhausting to the atmosphere, said communication and exhaust being controlled by valves a6 and a7 upon a stem M. The comn1 unication of the channel a2 with the channel a4 is governed by the armature h of the magnet. y

Into the top board B2, I prefer to locate a metal bed-plate (indicated at H2) recessed on its upper surface, (shown in detail in Fig. 7,) provided with a central oriiice (indicated at t') communicating with the channel (14 the armature h seating over said orifice, eX- cept when attracted od its seat by the magnet. When the armature is seated, the communication of the channel a2 with the chan- IOO nel cri is cut off, and when unseated the conlmunication of said channels is open. The bed-plate H2 is formed with an opening` (indicated at h2) through which the channel a2 opens. The magnet H is formed with a baseplate H2, (shown in detail in Fig. 6,) the plate H3 and bed H2 being provided with registering orifices (indicated at h2) through which the parts may be screwed down upon the top board B2. The center of the bed H2 is depressed, as shown more particularly in Fig. to set into a corresponding recess in the top board B2 and is so Constructed as to give room for the armature 7L between the depressed portion of the bed and the under surface of the base-plate. By constructing the magnet with a base-plate in this manner and engaging upon the top board a bed-plate constructed as described it is evident that each of the parts may be made in duplicate, so as to be conveniently and readily assembled.

It will be obvious that when the armature is nnseated the pneumatic J will be permitted t0 exhaust. On the other hand, when the armature is seated the said pneumatic may be inflated, the said pneumatic being preferably provided with a bleed-holejto aid in supplying the same with air. With the pneumatic J is connected a rod K, connected with a contact-bar Q, which may be provided with one or more contact-pins q.

L indicates a lever connected with the rod K, said level' beingactuated by said rod as the pneumatic J is inflated and exhausted. The valvestem M, carrying the valves CLG and a7, is connected with the lever L, as shown.

M indicates a spring engaged with the valvestem M to normally hold the valve t7 closed and the valve d open.

The base-plate H3, I construct with orifices h to equalize the pressure within the chest A and the chamber H about the magnets.

It will be understood that there are as many electromagnets H and pneumatics J and ai, with their connected parts, as there are keys on the corresponding keyboard.

N and N denote electrical conductors arranged to form a circuit through the bar Q.

R denotes a rail provided with a metal contact-arm r, projecting into the pathway of the pin (l ou the bar Q in such a manner that when the bar Q is lifted by the exhaustion of the pneumatic J electrical contacts will be formed with said contact-arm r, thereby completing the circuit through the corresponding conductors N N', which at corresponding eX- tremities arearranged thus to be brought into contact with the pin (l. i

S represents a key, and T represents a contact-rail provided with a contact-finger t. (Shown in detail in Fig. e.)

U is a contact-plate attached to the rear end of the key S. This plate is recessed at its inner end, as indicated at U. The bifurcated ends of the rear end of the plate are connected by a metal cross-piece u2, while the contact-finger t is constructed with a rib t',

preferably arranged at an angle across the outer end of the finger, as shown in Fig. -l-, said cross-piece u2 arranged to contact with the rib t when the key is depressed. The contact-plate U may be bolted to the rear end of the key, as shown, and is also preferably provided with a non-conducting strip, as of felt, (indicated at S',) upon which the adjacent end of the linger t may normally rest when the key is in normal position. The tilting of the key, however, tilts the cross piece t2 against the rib t', and owing to the angular position of said rib the cross-piece u2 has a sliding connection therewith, preventing the liability of undue wear or burning outat any given point.

V is a rail located above the rear end of the key, with which is connected a rod V, upon which the key S is engaged.

V2 is a spring to restore the key to normal position.

The finger t of the contact-rail T is electrically connected, as by a conductor N2, with a battery-strip P, said strip being connected with the magnet H by a conductor N2. The magnet is furthermore connected, as by a conductor N4, with a junction-plate P", said junction-plate being connected by a conductor N5 to a battery N6. The rail V is provided with a metal plate V3 and also with a junction-plate V4. The plates Vs and V4 are preferably connected by a conductor n, while also the plate Vfis connected with a conductor/a', leading to the battery NG, the conductor N forming a Ijuncture with the conductor a, as shown. The contactplate U is connected with the plate V3 by a conductor n2. The plate V1 keeps the spring from cutting into the wood, and its employment in connection with the plate U and spring V2 enables the current also to pass through the spring, while the connection of the plates U and Viiby the conductor N2and the connection of the plates V3 V4 with the conductor 'it affords additional means for the current to pass through the plate U to the plate V4. By thus affording a double circuit between the plates U and V'L I am sure of having a circuit at all times, inasmuch as if the one fails the other will be in readiness to carrythe-current. Where the spring V2 connects with the plate U the connection is liable to become clogged with dust in time, iu which case the other line would carry the current until the device could be cleaned, if necessary.

It will be seen that when a key is pressed electrical contact is made, operating the magnet H, lifting its armature, and permitting the corresponding pneumatic J to exhaust, thereby lifting the bar Q, and completing the circuit through the conductors N and N. At

the same time the lever L is actuated, permitting the pneumatic ai; to exhaust, closing the valve a.

AL indicates a swell-chest provided with a rail 4, provided With an electrical conductor- The conductor N is led to a binding- IOO post 6, with which the corresponding contactarm 5 may make electrical contact when said arm is suitably actuated, as by a pneumatic 7, attached by a connecting-rod 8 with said arm, the contact-arm 5 and binding-post 6 forming a switch mechanism. The arm 5 is connected by a conductor 7112 with a junctionplate P2 An electromagnet H`L may be einployed to govern the operation of the pneumatic 7, said latter magnet controlling a valve 11 in a wind-box 12, provided with a pneumatic 13, which operates valves la, controlling communication from the box 12 through a channel 15 with the pneumatic 7. The magnet H't is provided with a conductor as, leading to a junction-plate P4, and with a conductor/1t", leading to a j unction-plate P5. The junction-plate P'L is connected by a conductor 91.5 with a battery N7. Connected with the junction-plate P3 is a conductor a5.

NS is a switch connected by a wire a7 to the battery N'7 to close the circuit between the conductors n and n2. W is a coupler to actuate said switch.

Z is a chest provided with a channel C2, which may lead to a chest similar to the chest B, the communication of the swell-chest Z with the channel C2 being cont-rolled by valves l and 2 upon a stem 3, connected with a pneumatic 9, exhausting through a channel 10..

H5 is an electromagnet governing the passage of wind from the wind-box `Z through the channel C2 to a swell-chest similar to the chest B by means of the valves 1 and 2. The magnet governs the channel 10 by means of a valve 16.

P5 and P6 denote junction-plates, the magnet H5 being connected with the plate P5 by means of a conductor as, the magnet being connected with the plate P6 by means of a conductor n. The junction-plate P2 on the chest A" is connected with the junction-plate .PG by a conductor N9, and the battery N5 is connected with the junction-plate P5 by a conductor N10.

The mechanism connected with the windboXA may be played with one set of keys, and the mechanism connected with the wind-box Z may also be played with the same set of keys when the proper coupler is drawn.

l would have it understood that there may be one or more rails R in the wind-chest A.

The rod fn', passing through the rear end of the key S, may be provided with a button or nut V5. The non-conducting strip S may be supported upon a screw S2, passing through the rear end oi' the key, the screw being adjustable, so as to raise the strip S/ to any desired height.

The finger r of the rail R, it will be evident, makes contact with the pin q whenever the pneumatic J is actuated, whether the coupler mechanism is oii or on. The rubbing contact ot' these parts r and q when the coupler is oli? and the keys are played keeps said parts clean. It will be understood that the linger r and the pin q are not in electrical contact or, in other words, in a closed circuit, except when the coupler W is drawn. In addition to the circuit being closed through the plate U and the conductor n2 and thence, as described, to the battery through the conductor n/ the current may also pass through the spring V2 to the plate V4, the spring answering the double purpose of securing the proper tension upon the key and also to carry the current when inserted. This makes doubly sure of having the conductora and the plate U in circuit, as already described. By spreading or contracting` the springI am also able to get a lighter or heavier touch of the key, as may be required. Moreover, by screwing up the nutor button V5 upon the rod V', I am enabled to regulate the dip of the key to give more or less motion thereto.

I prefer to lead the conductor N from a junction-plate P2,a conductor nl@ leading from said plate to form contact with the adjacent pin q.

The plate V3 is employed and located as shown to make the parts more readily accessible should it be desired to take out the spring V2 and without interfering with the circuit and also to enable me more readily to take out the key. It' it should be desired to remove the key, the plate V3 could be removed and the spring V2 taken out. Then by dropping the button or nut V5 the key can be dropped down and lifted off the fulcrumpin 17 on the vrail 18. The rod V', it will be understood, is used to hold the key in place and is engaged with the rail V.

The electrical circuits may be readily traced. For example, when the strip Q is raised the circuit is closed through the corresponding pin q, the conductor n10, the conductor N', the conductor n', the battery N5, thence through the conductor N10, through the magnet H5, and back on the conductor N9, through the arm 5, when in closed circuit, and the conductor N. By striking the key the circuit is closed through the finger t, conductor N2,the magnet H, thence back through the battery N5, conductor n', plate V4 to the plate U.

The plates P serve only for a single magnet, while the plates P and V4 may carrycurrent for several magnets.

What I claim as my invention is l. In an organ, provided with an electromagnet and with a battery in electrical connection therewith, the combination of a key, a contact-plate upon the upper surface of the key at the inner end thereof electrically connected with said battery, a contact-rail, a contact-linger supported upon said rail adjacent to said contact-plate and normally separated therefrom in electrical connection withA said magnet, and a non-conductor upon which said finger may normally rest, said contact-plate recessed at its rear end and provided with a cross-piece a2 at its rear extremity, and said contact-finger constructed with a rib t' oblique to the cross-piece to form a sliding con- ICO .IIO

tact with said cross-piece, said contact-plate forming electrical contact with said linger' when the key is depressed.

2. In an organ provided with an electromagnet and a battery in electrical connection therewith, the combination of a key provided with a contact-plate in electrical connection with said battery, a contact-bar provided with a contact-finger in electrical connection with the magnet, said key provided with a nonconductor upon which the contact-iin ger may normally rest, said contactfplate forming electrical contact with said contact-linger when the key is depressed.

3. In an organ provided with an electromagnet and a battery in electrical connection therewith, the combination of a key provided with a contact-plate in electrical connection with said battery, a contact-har provided with a contact-{inger in electrical connection with the magnet, said key provided with a nonconductor upon which the contact-finger may normally rest, a regulating-screw supporting said non-conductor to adjust the position of the non-conductor, said contact-plate forming electrical contact with said contact-finger when the key is depressed.

et. In an organ provided with an electromagnet and with a battery in electrical connection therewith, the combination of a key provided with a contact-plate in electrical connection with the battery, a contact-bar provided with a contact-linger in electrical connection with the magnet, said contact-plate bifurcated at its rear end and having the bifurcated extremities connected with a metal cross-piece, said contact-finger provided with an angularly-arranged rib, said cross-piece forming a sliding contact with said rib when the key is depressed.

5. In an organ,the combination with a windchest having a top board recessed on its upper surface and provided with channels CL2 and CL4,

a recessed bed-plate located in the recess of the top board formed with openings therethrough communicating with the channels (t2 and a4 respectively, an electromagnet provided with a base-plate located over said recessed bed-plate and forming a chamber therebetween, and an armature located in said chamber to control communication therethrough into the channel a4.

6. ln an organ,the combination with a windchest having a recessed top board provided with channels a2 and a4, a recessed bed-plate formed with an opening therethrough communicating with the channel a4, an electromagnet provided with a base-plate located over said bed-plate and forming a chamber therebelow, and an armature located in the chamber between said plates to control comm unication through said opening, said plates constructed with registering orifices through which said plates may be connected with said top board, and said bed-plate constructed with an additional opening through which the channel a2 communicates into said chamber.

7. In an organ,the combination with a windchest provided with a channel communicating therewith, valves to control said communication, a pneumatic to actuate said valves, additional valves to govern the exhaust of said pneumatic, an additional pneumatic, a rail provided with a contact-finger, a contactbar Q connected with the additional pneumatic and actuated. thereby to form electrical contact with said linger, a lever actuated by the additional pneumatic simultaneously with the operation of said contact-bar and connected with the last-named valves, an electromagnetto govern said additional pneumatic, electrical conductors in connection with said contact-finger and other conductors in connection with said magnet, and a battery in circuit with said conductors.

8. In a fresh-wind or pallet box, the combination of a pneumatic, a magnet to control said pneumatic, a contact device actuated by said pneumatic, a conductor leading into said box to form contact with the contact device when the latter device is actuated, and a coupler-actuated switch to control the circuit through said conductor, said contact device contacting with said conductor whether said switch be opened or closed.

9. In an organ mechanism, the combination of a key, an electric circuit, a contact-bar to close the electric circuit when the key is depressed, a spring to exert its tension upon the key and forming a part of the electric circuit, and an additional conductor connecting said key with said circuit.

lO. In an organ, the combination of a key provided with a contact-plate, a contact-bar provided with a contact-linger to form electrical contact with said plate when the key is depressed, electrically-connected junctionplates V3 and V, a conductor connecting the contact-plate with the liunction-plate V3, and a spring connecting the contact-plate and the junction-plate V4.

In testimony whereof I sign this specilication in the presence of two witnesses.

VILLIAM B. FLEMIN G.

lVitnesses:

N. S. WRIGHT, ARNOLD BAENZIGER.

IOO 

